ABOUT THE ASPIREASSIST
  
   Overview
  
   How It Works
   
   The Procedure
  
   Clinical Results
 
   Medical Monitoring
   
   Lifestyle Counseling 

   Safety
  
   Removal

How It Works

The AspireAssist Aspiration Therapy System works by reducing the calories absorbed by the body. After eating, food travels to the stomach immediately, where it is temporarily stored and the digestion process begins. Over the first hour after a meal, the stomach begins breaking down the food, and then passes the food on to the intestines, where calories are absorbed. The AspireAssist allows patients to remove about 30% of the food from the stomach before the calories are absorbed into the body, causing weight loss.

The Device
To begin Aspiration Therapy, a specially designed tube, known as the A-Tube™, is placed in the stomach. The A-Tube is a thin silicone rubber tube that connects the inside of the stomach directly to a discreet, poker-chip sized Skin-Port on the outside of the abdomen. The Skin-Port has a valve that can be opened or closed to control the flow of stomach contents. The patient empties a portion of stomach contents into the toilet after each meal through this tube by connecting a small, handheld device to the Skin-Port. The emptying process is called “aspiration”.

Watch the video to see how the AspireAssist works!
 

Aspiration
The aspiration process is performed about 20 minutes after the entire meal is consumed and takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The process is performed in the privacy of the restroom, and the food is drained directly into the toilet. Because aspiration only removes a third of the food, the body still receives the calories it needs to function. For optimal weight loss, patients should aspirate after each major meal (about 3 times per day) initially. Over time, as patients learn to eat more healthfully, they can reduce the frequency of aspirations.

Lifestyle Modification Program
This therapy is used in conjunction with a lifestyle modification program, and requires careful and comprehensive medical monitoring. This program combines one-on-one counseling and group support meetings to encourage healthier food choices, smaller portion sizes, and increased physical activity. The program also encourages compliance with aspirating after each meal by offering tips to incorporate aspirating into one’s daily routines. Lastly, this program helps patients stay motivated to maintain their weight loss long-term. 

>>Learn about the Procedure